1064-nm Nd: YAG laser-assisted cartilage reshaping for treating ear protrusions

Correction of prominent ears is a common plastic surgical procedure. The laser-assisted cartilage reshaping (LACR) technique for protruding ears was developed at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Lille, France, using both the 1064- and 1540-nm wavelengths, with a view to simplifying the surgical procedure. Herein we report our results with the 1064-nm wavelength.

Between 2008 and 2010, twenty-six 1064-nm LACR procedures in 14 patients were performed. Twelve patients received treatment to both ears, and 2 patients received treatment to one ear. Each procedure consisted of a single treatment session. The treatment consisted of laser irradiation of both sides of the helix with single pulses of 70 J/cm2. The beam diameter was 6 mm. Early and late complications were defined and reviewed for all patients. Satisfaction was assessed by patients using a visual analogue scale from 0 (unsatisfied) to 20 (highly satisfied). The superior and middle cephaloauricular distances were prospectively evaluated at 6 months after treatment.

Complications included eight cases of localized skin burns and one case of dermatitis. The mean right/left superior and middle cephaloauricular distances were 10.5±1.5 mm/10.7±1.0 mm and 16.3±2.2 mm/16.3±2.8 mm, respectively, as compared to 17.5±2.9 mm/18.6±2.5 mm (P<0.01) and 24.5±2.6 mm/24.7±1.7 mm (P<0.01) before the operation. Mean patient satisfaction was 16.8/20±3.3.

Despite promising results for cartilage reshaping, the 1064-nm LACR procedure often leads to skin burns and inflammatory tissue reaction after treatment. Moreover, LACR with the 1064-nm wavelength is painful and necessitates local anaesthesia.

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